Odorous house ants are small, ranging from 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch in length, and are dark brown to black. You’ll have a hard time telling them apart from other ants by appearance alone. However, these ants will help with identification by producing a sickly sweet smell when crushed underfoot. Some describe the scent as resembling rotten coconut.
In nature, odorous house ants nest in the soil underneath rocks, logs, and other debris. When these ants come indoors, they nest in wall voids near hot water pipes or in bathrooms near leaking faucets or shower heads. They prefer to locate themselves near sources of moisture and heat.
No. These ants do not bite or sting. They are mostly considered nuisance pests because they can enter structures in large numbers and can nest indoors.
Yes. As with all ants, odorous house ants are potentially harmful. They can climb in unsanitary environments and pick up germs. They can then carry these germs to surfaces, dishes, stored foods, and more. The result can be food poisoning or surface contamination. In both cases, the result is stomach illness.
There are many ways these ants get inside. Any gaps and holes near the ground can serve as potential entry points. They also use tree limbs and other vegetation near the outside of the house.
Ground entry points:
Higher entry points:
These ants can exploit any gap, hole, or crack. They are extremely tiny and often enter structures in large numbers as they follow pheromone trails left by scout ants.
These ants have a preference for sweet food sources. They are particularly attracted to properties that offer the following:
They’re also attracted to water sources. Here are a few examples:
The first step in deterring ants and other pests is to consider water resources made available on your property by water problems.
You won’t have to wonder. These annoying ants will crawl all over your floors, walls, and counters. If you have a problem, you’ll keep seeing these ants in large numbers.
What should I do if I find odorous house ants?
If you find ants in your home or yard, contact got bugs? Termite & Pest Solutions for accurate identification and professional treatment. Our home pest control services are the ideal solution for homeowners because they target odorous house ants and other ant species and various house-infesting insects and rodents. Contact us today to find out how our Atlanta exterminators can solve your ant infestation!
To prevent an odorous house ant infestation, we recommend implementing the following ant prevention tips:
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